Celebrating Traditional Arts At The Des Carty Session

Traditional arts, say something special about who we are, about where we came from as a people, said Dr. Martin Mansergh T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for the Arts last Thursday, when he officially launched the Des Carty Session as part of the Alternative Entertainments International Music Festival being held in the Celbridge Library, Kildare.

Events were held in Rathcoole, Saggart, Celbridge, Blessington, Tallaght and Clondalkin. There were nine recitals, a main concert, a céilí, three masterclasses and sessions each night.

Performances will take place in a hotel, two libraries, an arts centre, four pubs, a hospital, a day care centre, an Irish cultural centre and a GAA club.

Speaking at the launch of the Des Carty Session in Celbridge Library, Dr Martin Mansergh said: "Alternative Entertainments Arts Group has been in operation since 1982.

"In that time they have grown from a small Tallaght-based organisation running three or four events a year to a major arts organisation.

"I am delighted to officiate at this music recital hosted in memory of Des Carty, who was born in Tallaght, and who, during the course of his life made an immeasurable contribution to the local communities through his love of traditional music. An exceptionally talented musician, Des taught the fiddle, tin whistle, the banjo and the mandolin."

Dr. Mansergh also said: "The importance of festivals such as this one in increasing participation in the arts is immense.

"Irish traditional arts are a precious and fundamental part of our national cultural life. In an increasingly homogenised world, our traditional arts, say something special about who we are, about where we came from as a people, about what distinguishes us and our culture from others in the world.

"Very many people enjoy the traditional arts, but even those whose taste runs in other directions would say that our distinctive Irish art forms are special, that they are worth protecting, and that if we lost them we would be much the poorer."

Dr. Mansergh said that through the funding of the Arts Council from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, organisations such as Alternative Entertainments are in a position to run programmes such as this: "In 2009 some €167,000 has been allocated to Alternative Entertainment to assist them in their ongoing programing."

"The arts bring benefits to both individuals and communities. Today, the traditional arts are highly regarded globally and Ireland continues to set the standard at an international level," he added.

Concluding Dr. Mansergh said: "Within this festival there is something for everyone to enjoy, from bluegrass to céilí, recitals and sessions to a celebration of the life & music of Pat Cullen.